Spring is one of the best times to enjoy Bilbao. The good weather brings longer days and the city is full of light, inviting you to leave your umbrella behind and take to the streets to rediscover a city that awakens with renewed energy. It is not only the rising temperatures; it is the atmosphere on the terraces, the intense green of the mountains and the feeling that any corner is a good place to come up with a plan; from natural surroundings to not to be missed visits, such as San Mames. Here are five ideal plans in Bilbao to enjoy the city at this time of the year.
Bilbao’s parks and green spaces at their very best
The first stop of any route in spring takes us straight to the green heart of the city. Doña Casilda Park looks spectacular at this time of year. It is an English-style garden where getting lost among its ponds and pergolas is a must in order to disconnect from the concrete jungle. Located next to the Museum of Fine Arts, it is the ideal place to rest your mind after a dose of culture before continuing to explore Bilbao’s parks and gardens.
However, if you are looking for a different perspective, Etxebarria Park is the place for you. What was once industrial land is now a vast grassland overlooking the whole of the Old Town. It is undoubtedly one of the best spots to have an impromptu picnic or simply lie back and watch the evening light bathe the rooftops of the Siete Calles (Seven Streets), making it a perfect place for groups of friends and families alike.
Culture, exhibitions and special plans at this time of the year
Spring also brings a cultural effervescence that includes dates marked in red on this year’s calendar. For film and nostalgia lovers, the “Back In Time” exhibition is coming to Bilbao at end of April, bringing pieces, such as the mythical DeLorean from Back to the Future. It is the kind of plan that connects generations, as does the Silver Film Festival with its reflective look at cinema, or the intimate Candlelight concerts, where classical music is played under the light of thousands of candles in historic corners of the city.
Even the squares are filled with meaning at this time of the year, with events such as the International Roma Day in Plaza Nueva, which fills the historic centre with life and vindication. Bilbao agenda for April is capable of offering everything from live rock and pop to international exhibitions, ensuring that there is always something new to discover around every corner.
San Mames and the AC Museum: a not to be missed visit
No spring plan is complete without a visit to the river estuary, where San Mames rises up as the main feature. Visiting the AC Museum is the highlight of the season; it is an interactive experience that lets you feel the heartbeat of the club before stepping into the stands to see the stadium in all its glory. If you are looking for something exclusive to round off the day, the San Mames VIP Area Experiences are the perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable day of “proximity tourism”.
It is the perfect opportunity to get to know the history of the club in an immersive way, especially if you take advantage of one of the guided tours of San Mames to visit areas that are not normally seen, such as the changing room or the players’ tunnel. In spring, when the pitch looks impeccable, a visit to “The Cathedral” becomes an unforgettable memory for any football fan and the history of the city.
Natural getaways close to Bilbao: coast and mountains
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bizkaia’s natural spaces are an irresistible magnet in spring. For the more adventurous, Gorbea Natural Park offers signposted routes through indigenous flora and fauna, offering a real balm of tranquillity. On the other hand, the coast offers us gems, such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where climbing up its iconic steps is rewarded with the best views of the Bay of Biscay.
Even a quick trip to fishing villages such as Bermeo or Mundaka, with its famous hanging houses overlooking the harbour, allows you to connect with the region’s fishing essence. These are short excursions to disconnect by hiking, cycling or simply enjoying a rural landscape, which explode into a variety of shades of green that seems to be endless at this time of the year.
Bilbao’s viewpoints: enjoy the golden hour
To round off any spring day in the capital of Bizkaia, the only thing left is to go up high. The best viewpoints in Bilbao offer the clearest sunsets of the year in spring, with temperatures that allow you to take your time watching the lights of the city come on one by one. Whether going up to Artxanda or looking for less well-known spots, such as Cuesta de Santo Domingo, sunset is when Bilbao is at its most welcoming. It is the perfect finishing touch to a route that starts among the flowers in Doña Casilda Park and ends with the city lit up below your feet, reminding you that there is no better place in the world to let yourself get carried away by the moment than when the good weather comes.
If you are organising your visit, discover more ideas in our blog to enjoy Bilbao at this time of the year.
